How Military Misuse of Power, Leads to Death and Terror Unleashed on Civilians
By Amarachi Okeh
Amarachi Okeh explores the rampant misuse of military power in Nigeria, leading to tragic civilian deaths and severe human rights violations.
On January 11, 2024, a shocking video emerged online showing two army officers brutally torturing a half-naked man in Rivers State. The victim, pleading for mercy and promising to confess, was ignored as the soldiers continued their assault.
Responding swiftly, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, condemned the incident. He announced that Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, had initiated an investigation. Danjuma reaffirmed the army’s commitment to protecting citizens’ fundamental human rights and urged the public to report unprofessional conduct.
Despite these assurances, more cases of military personnel torturing and killing civilians surfaced throughout the year.
The Death of Richard Onumaegbu
In a tragic example, Richard Onumaegbu, a civilian staff member at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Lagos, lost his life due to a confrontation that escalated into torture by naval officers. This incident underscores the dangerous misuse of military power in civilian matters.
Richard, who had worked at the hospital for 15 years, was involved in an altercation with a woman who later returned with naval officers. They brutally tortured him for over five hours, leading to his death. The Nigerian Navy promised a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved.
The Case of Achimugu Etubi
In another instance, hotel manager Achimugu Etubi from Umuahia, Abia State, was tortured to death by army personnel after a Nigerian Air Force cadet drowned in the hotel pool. Military officers, led by Major Inuwa, took the hotel staff for further questioning, during which Etubi was brutally beaten and subsequently died.
The Tragic End of Wisdom Hashim
In June, 13-year-old Wisdom Hashim from Kaduna took his own life after being falsely accused of theft and tortured by a soldier. The soldier, invited by a neighbor, tortured Wisdom when he wouldn’t admit to stealing money. Tragically, Wisdom’s mother later revealed that the actual thief confessed after Wisdom’s death.
Misuse of Power and Lack of Accountability
These incidents highlight a recurring issue in Nigeria: the improper involvement of military personnel in civilian matters. Despite promises of justice and accountability, such practices persist, leading to tragic consequences for innocent civilians.
Experts and Legal Perspectives
Experts describe the interference of military personnel in civilian matters as a breach of professional ethics and a violation of human rights. Professor Gyong from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Professor Agagu Akinsola emphasize the need for strict enforcement of boundaries and greater accountability for human rights violations.
Malachy Odo, a legal expert, underscores that the use of military personnel to intimidate civilians is a violation of constitutional rights. He encourages victims to seek legal redress and hold erring officers accountable.
Military’s Response
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, spokesman for the Nigerian Army, reiterated that it is illegal for military personnel to engage in civilian matters. He urged the public to report such incidents and assured that disciplinary measures would be enforced against offending soldiers.
Despite these assurances, the misuse of military power remains a significant concern in Nigeria. The need for stricter enforcement of boundaries and greater accountability for human rights violations is paramount to protect civilians from further abuse.
